Before the U.S. Open: Chatting with Noah Rubin

Noah Rubin during the Qualifying Tournaments at the U.S. Open in 2016.

Rossana Weitekamp

By Rossana Weitekamp

Noah Rubin, the 21-year-old pro tennis player from Merrick, will be competing during the U.S. Open’s Qualifying Tournaments, which began Aug. 22.

Rubin turned pro in June 2015, and ranked in the top 200 for the first time by qualifying for the 2016 Indian Wells Masters tournament. His current singles ranking is 195.

After playing in the Vancouver Open last week, Rubin spoke to the Herald while making his way out of Canada and back into the United States, where he was looking forward to practicing at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy on Randall’s Island.

How are you feeling coming into the U.S. Open?

I’m feeling pretty good. I was out for four months with a wrist injury. It’s been problematic, but I’m pushing through it. My body is in shape, so I’m excited to get out there again.

You played Roger Federer at the last Australian Open. What was that like?

It was the first time I played him, and it was a cool experience. We played in front of 20,000 people. I played against my idol, who I never played or practiced against. In 2016, he wasn’t putting in his best tennis. But no one knew how much more time he had, and then he won the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Wimbledon, and hopefully more to come for him. He’s having one of the best years of his career at this late age [Federer is 36].

Where are you living now?

I’m splitting my time between Merrick and Rockville Centre. My mother is in Merrick and my dad in Rockville Centre, but I’ll have my own place soon enough. I’ve always wanted a place in New York City. Miami is another possibility.

You’ve said in the past that you’re a proud promoter of your Jewish culture.

Yeah, I’m extremely proud, and when I go around the world and play I feel a motivation factor since there aren’t that may Jewish athletes. I just try to be the best role model possible for everybody and that kind of gives me a little extra

happiness.

What are some of your short and long term goals?

I don’t have too many goals in mind for the short term — just stay healthy for the next year, and then I can really make a push for what I’m looking to accomplish. I see myself making a push for the top 100. I know my game, and I’m really excited to make a step forward. It all starts with being healthy. I have an extremely healthy diet.